Devastation

by Paul Kirk

  Connor kissed the nape of her neck.

  “Wow, I agree with Surf Boy. Quit your bitchin’ and eat. If they don’t return your towel, I’ll find you a better set.”

  Amanda brushed past him to reenter the home.

  “I need my morning paper to go with breakfast first.”

  The end-table drawer near the couch squeaked in loud protest when opened. With care, Amanda extracted the musty papers she’d read the night before, bringing them to the porch table. Aware her every movement was watched by Cody, she sat down with a flourish and rested a spoon atop the papers before scooping breakfast onto her plate. Settling in, she ate with fervor. She became immersed in her reading.

  Associated Press Newswire

  Bird Flu Could Reach Americas in 6 Months

  By Edith M. Lederer

  UNITED NATIONS (AP) – The virulent H5N1 strain of bird flu could reach the Americas in six to 12 months or even sooner as infected wild birds migrate toward the Artic and Alaska, the U.N. bird flu chief said.

  Migratory patterns will probably take birds carrying the virus from West Africa to the Artic and Alaska this spring, Dr. David Nabarro said Wednesday. Some infected birds will then likely move south in the fall on a migratory route to the Americas.

  “I think it’s within the next six to 12 months,” Nabarro told a news conference,” And who knows – we’ve been wrong on other things, it may be earlier.”

  The H5N1 strain has spread rapidly through Asia and Europe and recently reached Africa, devastating poultry stocks. Virtually all people who have gotten bird flu have had close contact with infected poultry.

  Human cases are uncommon, but scientist worry that the virus may mutate into a form that can pass easily between people and lead to a worldwide flu epidemic.

  Nabarro reiterated the World Health Organization’s warning that “there will be a pandemic sooner or later” in humans, perhaps due to H5N1, or perhaps another influenza virus, and it could start any time.

  “Because it is moving and because we believe wild birds are implicated, predicting where it’s going to flare up next is a very tricky thing to do, and being able to know the scale of the flare-up is also quite tricky,” Nabarro said.

  Nabarro said the United Nations was focusing on controlling the H5N1 strain in domestic poultry through slaughters and vaccinations. The focus at the moment is on Africa, especially West Africa, where 50 percent of people live on less that $1 a day and many families rely on chickens for their livelihoods, he said.

  “There is a regional crisis in West Africa,” with outbreaks in Nigeria and Niger, Nabarro said. “But we are frankly anticipating that we will find the virus in other West Africa countries and there is a lot of preparatory work under way.”

  In Western Europe, several countries have detected H5N1 in dead wild birds, but there have been few cases in domestic and commercial poultry populations, he said.

  One or two cats also reported to have H5N1, and the WHO says more research is needed on transmission to other mammals, he said.

  The U.S. government hopes to test 75,000 to 100,000 live or dead birds this year, a significant increase over past years, with the effort focused on Alaska, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture officials.

  “Some of the challenges we face are now really quite dramatic and call for a lot of technical expertise,” Nabarro said.

  For example, the FAO reported in September that wild birds are able to carry the H5N1 strain while remaining asymptomatic, yet swans in Western Europe are dying from the strain and nobody knows why, he said.

  Nabarro said an international conference on wild birds will be held in June and will hopefully include the results of research now under way. The next major international review of global bird flu efforts will also be in June, he said.

  “Betcha didn’t think the Sickness would go airborne, did ya? Betcha you didn't think it would mutate into several deadly strains and end up floating in water and air for everybody’s pleasure, now did you Dr. Nabarro?” mumbled Amanda.

  She scooped another spoonful of omelet; deep in thought at what the United States and United Nations could’ve done different to prevent the devastating pandemic. Cody’s soundless approach made her flinch.

  “Whatcha reading?”

  “Oh, umm…the owners of the house, the Pattersons, were avid followers of the Cuckoo Flu. They have a whole drawer of this stuff, all in chronological order.

  “What’s it say?”

  Coming near, Connor put a hand on Cody’s shoulder. “It says a whole lotta people might die. And guess what? They were right. I'm told—”

  Voices from the back room of the home made all three turn to peek inside the window. Marty did the same through the screen door from his spot on the porch steps. Expecting to see Roger exiting the bedroom, they were surprised when Rhonda strolled down the long hallway toward the front rooms, clean and dressed in a lightweight brown sweater atop faded blue jeans. But, it was her brilliant brown eyes that captivated. Quickly, Cody opened the screen door and entered. Connor and Amanda followed, ready to say hello. Marty stayed seated on the porch steps, finding it difficult to put down his third plate of food.

  “Damn, look at her, Mac,” whispered Amanda.

  “I see it.”

  Like Cody, Rhonda’s eyes had a fierce luster that demanded attention; there was a shimmer of energy that Connor and Amanda had not noticed the night before.

  "Hello."

  Rhonda stood tall, like Amanda, but more thinly built and older, about thirty-five or so. Her auburn brown hair fell around her heart-shaped face to shoulder-length in soft curls, combed of all tangles. Barefoot, she moved with a smooth confidence toward her son, the bright red bruises on her face and neck evident, but well tended and the swelling of her left cheek had lessened considerably. Gently, she grasped Cody’s face in her hands, kissing his forehead.

  “Thank you, Cody, for saving us.”

  “Momma…are you…okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine, now.”

  Rhonda politely scrutinized the man and woman next to her son. “Cody, please introduce me to our new friends. I’m afraid I wasn’t at my best yesterday when introductions were made.”

  Rhonda held Cody and reached out her hand to Connor, who took it. Marty, sensing something happening inside slipped in the screen door, carrying his plate of food. Still in his skivvies, he shoveled food into his mouth in large spoonfuls but, after seeing Rhonda, he absently lowered the spoon onto the plate.

  “Mom, this is Mister Connor Mac. He saved us, not me. And this is Amanda, she helped too.”

  Hearing the front door, Cody glanced over his shoulder.

  “And that’s Marty. They all helped.”

  Rhonda took a small step closer, locking eyes with Connor. Her hand was warm and soft in his grasp. She smiled. “Thank you, Connor Mac. Thank you, Amanda and Marty. I owe you each a debt of deep gratitude.”

  “You okay ma’am?” asked Connor.

  "I am now. Thank you again."

  Rhonda turned to face Amanda. Smoothly, she released Connor and took her hand.

  “And you, Amanda … so young. Thank you.”

  “My pleasure, ma'am.”

  Rhonda turned, catching sight of Marty.

  “Marty… thank you as well.”

  “You’re welcome, Rhonda. And, ah...please forgive my dress.”

  Rhonda laughed gently. “I’ve seen a fine man before in his underwear, Marty. It comes as no surprise.”

  Blushing, Marty quickly sought his clothes near the window.

  CHAPTER 4.6-Phoenix Justice

  “Come in!” answered Colonel Starkes to the knock at her door. “What can I do for you, major?” she asked, looking up from studying the local maps.

  “Phoenix Justice is at the front entrance, ma’am. He’s brought an eight-man crew of heavily armed men on horseback. Phoenix and another man, probably Larry Reed, are on foot near a golf cart.”

  “It’s a little early, isn’
t it, major?”

  “He waited for first light.”

  “That makes sense. Status?”

  “He’s placed five snipers in the expected locations and positions. Lieutenant Daniel reports that they’re nicely equipped and appear to know what they’re doing. Three others are placed in adjacent buildings; the lowest position is the fifteenth floor of the building across the street. They are positioned very close to what we predicted, colonel. Phoenix also has a twenty-man assault team hidden near the walls of the annex for a front entry breach.”

  “That's just like you and Shamus predicted.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Almost. The lieutenant said that they have two men with RPGs attached to the frontal assault team. That level of firepower surprised us, colonel—we didn’t expect it and we have to assume that they have the ordnance.”

  “Wow.”

  “Yes, ma’am. To be safe, we’ll need to make sure those RPGs are inoperative prior to our departure.”

  “Do you have our counterstrike teams in place?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Three of them as we discussed last night. They were in position prior to Phoenix’s snipers taking position. Each of Phoenix's snipers tucked in just after midnight, but they don’t suspect that they’ve been compromised.”

  “That’s excellent, major. None of ours were caught settling in?”

  “Sammy had a close call, ma’am, but all are in place without tipping them off. We have a bead on each of the sniper teams targeting our position. Our infrared was invaluable last night.”

  “And the rest of the men, major?”

  “Two men, as ordered ma’am, are guarding Nicole and CJ. Explosive charges are installed near the entrances downstairs to take out any potential assault teams. And Captain Daubney has provided a sniper bullet trajectory for your consideration.” The major handed over several detailed drawings to Colonel Starkes. She studied them for a few moments, pleased with the proficiency of her team.

  “Very well done, major. Please let the men know that I’m extremely pleased.”

  “Yes, of course, colonel,” said the major, beaming with pride.

  “So, we negotiate from a position of hidden strength?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Good. This is how we’ll play it, major. I want you to proceed with the introductions. I’ll remain out of the direct line of sight at the front entrance while you’re outside talking with Phoenix and this Larry Reed. Depending on what they do, I’ll join you if it appears friendly—I’d like it to be friendly.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “You are to tell Phoenix that we are in a position to render all of his potential assaults useless. I want you to prove to him that we know the locations of all of his assault teams. At some point, I will be inside the front entrance, close enough to hear and see you, but only visible to you, Phoenix, and Larry Reed.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “If, after your explanation of the situation, he doesn’t believe you and decides to escalate the meeting, I have a set of hand signals that I want you to follow without question.”

  “Yes, ma’am, of course.”

  “I'll touch my right hand to my right ear twice for you to take out all the snipers simultaneously. “I’ll rub my nose twice for you to remove any threat of a surprise frontal attack.”

  “Yes, ma’am. All the two-ways are operational, but we’ve lost three radios from battery drainage over the past month. One has a bad recharge cell and it can’t be fixed until we return to Mt. Storm, colonel. That leaves all team members supplied with communication, but with only one spare.”

  “A little thin.”

  “Yes, ma’am."

  "What’s the ‘go’ signal to take out the sniper teams?”

  "The current tactical comm ‘go’ signal for the hostile sniper removal is ‘Charlie One.’ The ‘go’ signal for assault on the annex hostiles is ‘Devil Two.’ Shamus is primary comm ops for all status inquiries on channel six. GT is serving as tactical comm ops messenger for me.”

  “That sounds fine, major,” said the colonel, studying the area outside her window. The winds from Lake Erie were quickly blowing the clouds away, turning the gray sky to a bright blue. “One more signal, major. If I run both my hands through my hair, your team is to shoot the rifle of one of their primary snipers. Understood?”

  “No kill, ma’am?”

  “That is correct, major. No kill. It might be necessary simply to redirect their attention. A shot across the bow so to speak.”

  “That might be a little dangerous, colonel.”

  “Yes, I know, but I’ll be very careful.”

  “Maybe it’s a bit too risky, ma’am.”

  “Those are my orders, major.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” acknowledged the major, clearly not happy with the command, but holding himself in check. “Is the mission authorized, colonel?”

  “Yes, major. Please proceed.”

  “And the comm ‘go’ signal for this no-kill rifle-only shot, ma’am?”

  The colonel ignored the major’s obvious dissatisfaction—it was clear he didn’t like the risk. “Elephant three.’”

  “Elephant three it is, colonel.”

  “Major, you have full operational authority at this juncture to fulfill the current mission objectives.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I understand.”

  “What’s the status of the ‘copter?”

  “The bird's safe, colonel. Shamus is at the controls, listening in on the radio and ready for any evasive action that might be necessary. He’s checked the landing pad for structural integrity and he's convinced it’s sound and can handle the weight. I thought the shape of the turntable was only decorative, colonel—have they ever landed a ‘copter on it before?”

  “I don’t know, major. I doubt it. Since Captain Daubney’s a native, you should ask him if that’s what it was meant for. Either way, it’s nice to have an engineer who’s also a mathematician, isn’t it?

  “Yes, ma’am, we were lucky to find Shamus, GT, and Scott.”

  “I get the feeling that we haven’t seen everything they’re capable of.”

  “You might be right, colonel.”

  “Okay, major, this is your show. Let’s get started.”

  CHAPTER 4.7-Talk Around the Fire Pit

  “I don’t think that’s any of your fucking business, Kevin,” raged Andy. He understood Kevin’s question all too well. “Who the hell made you judge and jury?” Andy stood to face Kevin who remained sitting on his rock, calmly sipping his beer.

  “Hey, Andy, relax. I’m just letting you know that Liam is kinda worked up on the matter.”

  Andy stepped closer to the fire and took another swig of his beer. He was still angry, but the dancing flames had a soothing effect.

  “Listen, T,” said Kevin, “it’s none of my business—”

  “You got that right!” interrupted Andy, his anger rekindled.

  “Andy,” said Terry, “Kevin has a right to speak his mind.”

  “Thanks, T. It’s just that...” stammered Kevin. He was unsure how to continue.

  “Kevin,” said Andy, “how about you give us a few minutes out here? Huh? Me and T need to figure a few things out.” Andy drained the remainder of his ale and shoved his mug into Kevin’s flannel shirt. “How about getting me another beer, Kevin?”

  Kevin ignored Andy’s mug and took a swig of his own beer, his hand trembling slightly with anger. “Get it yourself, Andy.” Kevin felt the adrenaline wash of blood pulsing in his ears and priming him for a fight he would ultimately lose.

  “Kevin,” said Terry, gently trying to diffuse the situation.

  “Yeah, T?”

  “Could you leave the two of us alone for a few minutes? I would appreciate it.”

  “Sure, T.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome, T.” He stood and swiped the beer mug from Andy’s hand. “I’ll even grab this SOB another beer.” He glared at Andy for a few seconds and turn
ed to face Terry. “Can I get you anything, T?”

  “No, thank you, Kev.”

  They watched him walked toward the cottage, his wounded pride apparent in his gait. Andy settled next to Terry on the bench and her anger at him surfaced quickly.

  “That was completely uncalled for!”

  “Yeah, maybe you’re right. But it’d be nice if you and me can talk before nebshit starts putting his nose where it don’t belong.”

  “He’s looking out for Liam, Andy. I respect that.”

  “And who’s looking out for you, T? Huh?” Despite her building anger, Andy enveloped her slim shoulders with his arm, forcefully pulling her to him. He roughly kissed her cheek. More gently, he kissed her lips. She pushed away half-heartedly and took his hand.

  “I’m in strange waters here,” she said.

  “Me too, T.”

  “Dammit, Andy, I miss him.”

  Andy drew in his breath and slowly exhaled. “I miss him too.”

  “It’s been so long. And...I’ve have feelings for you.”

  “T, you know I have feelings for you.”

  “Andy...I’ve tried a couple times to find comfort...to somehow replace Connor, but it didn’t work. I’m not sure it’ll work now. I don’t think you can replace him.”

  “I don’t want to replace him, T. I don’t plan on replacing him.”

  “That’s good.”

  “The way I figure it, I’d like to start my own tab. That is, if you’re willing.”

  She leaned softly into his shoulder and sighed. “I think it’s about time, Andy. I gotta start letting myself move where my body and mind are telling me to go.”

  “Same here, T.”

  “I’m not sure about tonight, okay?”

  “One night isn't gonna make a difference. You make your move when you’re ready—that’s all I ask. I’m telling ya now, T, I’ll wait for you. Okay?”